Arsen Shomakhov Storms Blues Radio Charts; Pinetop & Willie Back On Top

Who is Arsen Shomakhov and where did his On The Move come from? He’s a Russian-born guitarist/songwriter who competed in the International Blues Challenge after moving his base of operations to Vancouver, Canada. On The Move is his latest album recorded for Blues Leaf records and it has vaulted to #2 on the blues radio charts, falling just behind the venerable Pinetop Perkins and Willie “Big Eyes” Smith.

Shomakhov is the big story on the chart this week but there are other names making a name for themselves, some for the first time (or at least first time in awhile). Music legend Dr. John’s Tribal was released this past Tuesday and makes a strong showing while Albert Castiglia’s new record Keepin’ On will be released this Tuesday and as the record nears we see it making noise in the lower reaches of the chart. Les Copeland’s Don’t Let The Devil In seems to bounce up and down a lot from week to week. This week is an up week, checking in at #3. Anders Osborne is also back on the radar after some time a way. That’s been one of my favorite records this year and I’m glad to see it continuing to get play. The same is true of Karen Lovely’s Still The Rain. I have not forgotten I still owe you all a complete review of her disc. That and Albert Castiglia reviews are forthcoming, I promise.

Here is the complete list. I’ve linked to the albums I’ve thus far reviewed if you want to know more about them. You can also check out the weekly BPR 6 Pack feature that takes a closer look at six songs from the albums on the chart.